John DiStaso's Granite Status: NHGOP to host northeastern conference in March on 'expanding base'

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22. MAJOR GOP CONFERENCE PLANNED. New Hampshire Republicans are organizing and hosting a major regional conference in March, aimed at "expanding the Republican Party's base" and winning in Democrat and competitive areas," the Granite Status has learned.

The North East Republican Leadership Conference will be held on March 14-15 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua.

Republicans from Maine to Maryland are expected to attend.

Speakers confirmed are Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard, former Ambassador John Bolton, conservative radio host Michael Graham and commentator Mark Steyn.

Also speaking will be Sen. Kelly Ayotte and U.S. Rep. Peter King of New York, who is considering a presidential run.

GOP sources say more "big names" have been invited and are expected to attend.

The two-day event will include training sessions and panel discussions "dedicated to how the Republican Party can begin event winning additional demographic groups (young, women, minority and Democrat voters)," according to the NHGOP. A fund-raiser will be held each night of the conference.

Prices are $75 for the conference and $75 for each dinner, with an "all-inclusive package" set at $199.

Net proceeds will go to the state party.

In a statement to be issued later today, NHGOP Jennifer Horn says, "This conference will allow Republicans across the Northeast to come together, hear from prominent conservative speakers, discuss ways that we can spread our message of fiscal responsibility and take back our government. We are proud to host this important event and believe that it will help us lay the groundwork that Republicans need to win in November."

(See earlier Granite Status reports elsewhere on this page or by clicking on "Granite Status" above.")

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